SS-31 Peptide in Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Research

Mitochondrial failure often causes a drop in cell energy in research models. Studying how to fix these energy centers is a major goal for scientists today.

Learning how this research tool works begins with a look at its chemical build and history. Scientists continue to test the molecule in many lab settings to see how it helps cells. The path to understanding this compound starts with What Is SS-31 Peptide?

What Is SS-31 Peptide?

SS-31 peptide, formally known as Elamipretide, is a small synthetic tetrapeptide used in mitochondrial research. Developed by scientists at Cornell University, this compound belongs to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptide family. These molecules are unique because they target the inner mitochondrial membrane to help stabilize cell function. In lab settings, researchers use SS-31 (Elamipretide) to study how cardiolipin stabilization affects energy and oxidative stress in cells.

Chemical Identity and Structure

The structure of SS-31 is defined by a sequence of four amino acids: D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2. This peptide has a molecular weight of 639.80 and is known by the formula C32H49N9O5. Its design lets it cross cell membranes with ease and move into the mitochondria without needing a membrane potential. Because of these traits, SS-31 is a reliable tool for studying energy failure and redox balance in lab models.

Research labs also call this compound by other names like Bendavia or MTP-131. In each case, the main goal of the peptide is to bind to cardiolipin. This lipid is key for keeping the shape of mitochondrial cristae. Scientists use HPLC-tested research peptides like SS-31 to ensure that the purity of their samples supports clear and repeatable data in their experiments.

The Szeto-Schiller Peptide Family

Drs. Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller at Cornell University made SS-31 as part of a plan to create peptides that target mitochondria. The Szeto-Schiller family stands out due to its pattern of amino acids. This layout gives the peptides the power to find the inner mitochondrial membrane. Unlike other compounds, SS-31 does not break the mitochondrial membrane potential, which makes it a useful tool for long-term study.

In many lab tests, scientists use SS-31 to look at how mitochondria make energy. By binding to cardiolipin, the peptide helps keep respiratory supercomplexes in the right shape. This support is vital for how cytochrome c carries electrons. Researchers often get biotech-grade peptides for research to see how these links might protect cells from the energy loss seen in aging or stress models.

Research Use and Quality Standards

The use of SS-31 is for research and lab work only. It often comes as a dry powder to keep it stable during storage and shipping. Researchers must use high-purity tools to avoid errors that can come from low-quality samples. Trusted Peptides gives third-party HPLC testing and batch-specific papers to help scientists check the purity of their lab materials.

Since price data for these tools is kept behind a login, buyers and lead scientists must sign up to see current stock details. This rule ensures that tech data and research-grade tools go to the R&D teams and labs that need them. By focusing on batch quality and HPLC tests, labs can maintain the high standards needed for their work on complex cell pathways.

How SS-31 Peptide Targets Cardiolipin in the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

In laboratory studies, the SS-31 peptide shows a unique ability to reach the inner mitochondrial membrane. This small molecule binds with high affinity to cardiolipin, which is an anionic phospholipid found only in this part of the cell. The bond forms through both electrostatic and hydrophobic forces. Researchers use biotech-grade peptides for research to study how this interaction helps maintain the structure of the mitochondria in experimental models.

Stabilizing the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane

Cardiolipin plays a vital role in the shape and function of the mitochondria. In preclinical studies, it helps form cristae and organizes respiratory complexes into supercomplexes. This structure is needed for oxidative phosphorylation to work well. When SS-31 binds to cardiolipin, it helps keep these structures stable. This allows the mitochondria to continue making energy even under stressful conditions in study settings. The binding process is fast because of the specific chemical structure of the SS-31 peptide.

Because cardiolipin has a negative charge, the positive charges on the peptide create a strong link. This link is further strengthened by hydrophobic areas on the molecule. This two-part binding method sets it apart from other compounds that only use one type of force to reach their target. Scientists studying mitochondrial health often focus on this strong bond to understand how cells manage energy during research trials. The stability of this link is a key factor in how the peptide works.

Protecting Cytochrome C Function

One key finding from research is how SS-31 affects cytochrome c. Under normal conditions, cardiolipin helps cytochrome c move electrons. But during stress, cytochrome c can change into a peroxidase. This change leads to the breakdown of cardiolipin and damages the cell. Studies show that SS-31 prevents this change while keeping the electron-carrying role intact. This blocks a chain reaction that would otherwise lead to more cell damage in experimental settings.

By protecting this function, SS-31 helps preserve the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane. This is a primary focus for labs investigating how to reduce redox stress in aged mice or injury models. The ability to shield cardiolipin without stopping its natural work makes this peptide a significant tool for research. Scientists often use these findings to explore new ways to support energy production in varied experimental designs. Each study adds more data to our view of these complex cell parts.

Structural Biology of the Interaction

The structural biology of the cardiolipin-SS-31 bond reveals a tight fit. The thermodynamics of this binding suggest it is both fast and stable. Unlike some larger molecules, the small size of SS-31 lets it pass easily through the outer membrane to find its target. This makes it more efficient than many older mitochondrial-targeted compounds in laboratory investigations. Most researchers rely on high-purity samples to ensure these interactions are measured with high accuracy. The small size of the peptide is a major advantage in lab work.

SS-31 Peptide and Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Experimental Models

Research into SS-31 peptide centers on its ability to support mitochondrial bioenergetics. In study models, the compound helps maintain the flow of electrons within the inner membrane. This role is vital for oxidative phosphorylation, the process that creates energy for cells. By binding to cardiolipin, a key phospholipid, SS-31 helps preserve the shape of the mitochondrial cristae. These folds give the surface area needed for energy production in laboratory settings.

Protecting Mitochondrial Cristae Structure

In experimental research, stress factors like ischemia can damage the fine structure of the mitochondria. Studies show that SS-31 protects cristae from these harmful changes. The compound interacts with cardiolipin to stabilize the membrane under stress. This stabilization is key because cardiolipin depletion and peroxidation are often linked to energy deficiency in pathological models. By guarding these structures, researchers use SS-31 to study how to keep mitochondria working during periods of low oxygen.

The health of the cristae directly affects how well a cell can produce ATP. When cristae break down, the respiratory supercomplexes lose their order. Scientists using biotech-grade peptides for research have seen that SS-31 helps maintain this structural form. This makes the compound a useful tool for looking into how to stop mitochondrial decay in various disease models.

Promoting Oxidative Phosphorylation and ATP Recovery

One of the most noted effects of SS-31 in preclinical studies is its impact on ATP levels. Research shows that SS-31 accelerates ATP recovery following ischemia. This re-energization of the mitochondria occurs because the peptide helps maintain the electron-carrying function of cytochrome c. When cardiolipin is safe, cytochrome c can move electrons well to fuel the production of energy.

Studies in laboratory models show that SS-31 promotes oxidative phosphorylation even after big cellular stress. This ability to restore energy production makes it a focus for research into age-related metabolic decline and acute injuries. Investigators often look for HPLC-tested research peptides to ensure the accuracy of these bioenergetic tests. Reliable data depends on the purity of the compounds used in these complex laboratory experiments.

Targeting Energy Deficiency Pathways

Energy deficiency in research models is often driven by the loss of cardiolipin. When this lipid is oxidized, it no longer supports the enzymes needed for breathing. SS-31 targets this specific path by stopping the change of cytochrome c into a peroxidase. This action blocks the chain that leads to more lipid damage and energy loss. By using SS-31, researchers can isolate the effects of cardiolipin stabilization on the overall metabolic health of a study model.

Reducing Oxidative Stress with SS-31 Peptide in Laboratory Studies

Blocking the peroxidase pathway

Study data show that biotech-grade peptides for research like SS-31 help to lower oxidative stress. The peptide works in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In these tests, it binds with high affinity to a lipid called cardiolipin. This binding is key. It stops cardiolipin from turning cytochrome c into a peroxidase. In a healthy cell, cytochrome c helps to move electrons. But when stress occurs, it can change its role and start to harm the cell. This change leads to the breakdown of lipids and causes deep damage. By keeping the normal role of cytochrome c, the peptide blocks a main path for reactive oxygen species (ROS) to form. Research in Molecules and Cells shows that this helps to protect the cell power plant from decay.

The power to stop the lipid breakdown is a core part of how the peptide works in study models. When lipids in the membrane break down, the mitochondria can no longer work as they should. This often leads to a drop in energy and more cell stress. By holding the membrane together, the peptide helps to keep the cell structure intact. Scientists use these findings to see how cells react to stress in a lab. Using pure peptides is a must for any lab that wants to get clear and firm data. This research helps us see how small changes at the tiny level can have a big impact on the whole cell.

ROS reduction in kidney injury models

Scientists often use the SS-31 peptide to study oxidative stress in kidney models. In these early studies, researchers have seen a clear drop in ROS levels after they use the peptide. When the kidney faces a lack of blood flow, the mitochondria often produce too many free radicals. These free radicals damage the cell and stop it from making the energy it needs to live. Findings suggest that the peptide helps to stop this cycle of damage by targeting the source of the stress. By lowering ROS production, the peptide may help the cell recover its power more quickly. These results show that the peptide is a strong tool for labs looking to study cell health.

Redox balance in aging research

Age-related decline is another area where researchers use the SS-31 peptide. In studies of aged mice, the peptide has shown it can fix redox homeostasis in skeletal muscle. As cells age, they often lose the power to manage stress on their own. This leads to a buildup of damage that hurts muscle strength and movement. A study in Aging Cell found that the peptide helped to reverse these age-related changes. The mice in the study showed better exercise levels once the stress was under control. For labs that focus on aging, getting reliable peptides is vital for long-term study success and clear results.

The peptide works to fix the link between energy and stress in old models. By targeting the inner membrane, it helps to fix the leaks that cause ROS to build up. This allows the cell to keep a healthy balance. Researchers value the peptide for its focus on a specific target. This makes it easier to track changes during a test. As the field of aging research grows, tools like this peptide help scientists find new ways to study cell health. Every study adds more data to what we know about how to keep cells working well as they get older.

Preclinical Research Applications of SS-31 Peptide

Earlier studies often use the SS-31 peptide to study how it helps cells under stress. Scientists look at how the compound binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This work helps researchers learn about energy loss in many disease models. Most studies take place in mice or other lab settings to find out how the peptide works at a basic level. Scientists focus on how the compound may stabilize cell parts during high stress.

One area of research looks at how aging affects the engines of the cell. As mice age, their mitochondria often fail to make enough energy. A study in the journal PMC showed that the SS-31 peptide can change some of these age-related issues. Scientists gave aged mice a dose of 3 mg/kg/day for eight weeks to test its effects on movement. This study focused on the skeletal muscles, which often lose power as the mice get older.

The results showed that the peptide helped restore a healthy redox balance in the leg muscles. The mice in the study were able to run longer and stay active. This suggests that the peptide might help protect muscle cells from the wear and tear of aging. Scientists use biotech-grade peptides for research like this to ensure their data stays clear across long studies. By keeping the cristae stable, researchers hope to learn how to keep muscles strong.

Laboratory Models of Renal Disease

Scientists also study the SS-31 peptide in models of kidney disease. These models often show a high level of stress from reactive oxygen species, or ROS. Too much ROS can damage the thin membranes inside the kidney cells. Research published in PMC9192202 looked at how the peptide might lower these stress levels in lab trials. The study showed that the compound binds to the inner membrane to stop the spread of damage.

In these test models, the peptide was found to reduce ROS levels. It also helped the mitochondria keep their shape and work better. By protecting the cristae of the cell, the compound may help stop the energy loss seen in kidney injury. These findings give a useful tool to scientists who want to study how to keep cells healthy during organ stress. This work helps pave the way for more study on how to shield kidneys from sudden harm.

Investigating Rare Mitochondrial Conditions

Scientists have tested the peptide in models of rare illnesses like Barth syndrome. This is a genetic issue that affects the heart and muscles. Because it targets cardiolipin, the SS-31 peptide is a main focus for this research. The FDA has even given the compound a Rare Pediatric Disease designation for its study in these models. Researchers want to see if the peptide can fix the leaky membranes found in this syndrome.

Other trials have looked at primary mitochondrial myopathy, or PMM. A Phase 3 trial with 218 people tested the peptide for this illness. But the study was stopped because it did not meet its main goals for gains. These results show why scientists must keep up their study of the compound in the lab. Every failure helps researchers learn more about how to use these peptides in the future. Scientists hope that better lab data will lead to new ways to support cell energy.

Quality Considerations When Sourcing SS-31 Peptide for Research

High purity is vital when you study mitochondrial peptides like SS-31. Small errors in the peptide sequence or leftover chemicals can change how the compound works. In laboratory research, SS-31 must bind to cardiolipin to show its effects. If the sample is not pure, your data on energy use and cell stress may not be right. You need a reliable source to ensure your study results are clear and repeatable.

The importance of HPLC verification

Third-party testing is a key standard for research supply. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) shows the exact purity of a peptide batch. Trusted Peptides uses HPLC testing by MZ Biolabs to check every lot. This step finds hidden impurities that could interfere with mitochondrial assays. For researchers, a batch-specific report is better than a general promise of quality.

Contaminants in a peptide sample can confound bioenergetics data. In study settings, SS-31 binds to anionic phospholipids to help cristae structure. If a batch has salts or TFA, it might change how the peptide interacts with the inner membrane. This could lead to false results in studies on oxidative phosphorylation or ROS levels. Checking the HPLC data helps you know your results come from the peptide itself.

Batch stability and storage standards

How a peptide is made and shipped affects its shelf life. Research-grade SS-31 is often supplied as a lyophilized powder for long-term stability. This freeze-dried form keeps the tetrapeptide stable during transit and storage. It is much more stable than liquid forms, which can break down fast at room temperature. Proper lab storage in a dry, cold place ensures the peptide stays ready for use.

Batch consistency is another factor for long-term trials. Researchers often need the same quality level over many months. When you buy reliable peptides, look for suppliers who track every lot number. This tracking lets you link your data back to a specific batch and its test results. This level of detail is needed for any study that aims for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Documentation for reproducible science

Clear lab records are the base of good science. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) should list more than just the name of the compound. It must show the test date, the batch number, and the purity score. Good documentation helps you prove that your materials meet the standards of the field. This makes it easier for other labs to repeat your work or for you to scale up your study.

Reproduction of results depends on the tools and materials you use. When you source SS-31, check if the supplier offers full transparency. Ask if they provide the mass spectrometry data along with the HPLC results. This double check proves the mass of the peptide is correct. High standards in sourcing lead to better data and stronger findings in your research project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SS-31 peptide available for purchase outside clinical trials?

In laboratory settings, SS-31 peptide is available from specialized suppliers for research. According to Trusted Peptides, these compounds are sold for study use only. They are not for human use or medical treatment. Researchers should buy from a source that provides third-party HPLC tests. This ensures the batch is pure for experimental models. These peptides are primarily for use in the United States and Canada.

What is the common research dosage of SS-31 in animal models?

Research studies use different amounts based on the model. In a study published by the National Institutes of Health, scientists used a dose of 3 mg/kg per day for eight weeks in mice. Other tests have used rates between 0.01 and 0.25 mg/kg per hour. These numbers are for laboratory study only. They do not show a safe dose for humans or any medical use outside of a lab setting.

Why is SS-31 peptide pricing restricted to registered accounts?

Trusted Peptides keeps prices private to meet research supply rules. This plan ensures only verified scientists see costs and product details. According to brand rules, this account system also helps track batch data and HPLC results. Researchers can create an account to view price lists and lab papers for their specific needs. This helps teams plan their budgets while following all legal and safety rules for research compounds.

How should research-grade SS-31 peptide be stored for long-term use?

To keep it stable, SS-31 comes as a dry powder. According to the technical data sheet, this form lasts longer in lab settings. For the best results, store the peptide at or below -20 degrees Celsius. Keep it away from light and water. Once mixed for a study, use the liquid right away or freeze it in small parts. This stops the compound from breaking down due to repeated freezing and thawing.

Contact Trusted Peptides for Batch-Verified SS-31 Research Supply

Starting lab research with unverified supply can lead to major delays and poor data. Choosing a batch-verified source now ensures that your team has the high-purity compounds needed for clear findings. Acting today helps you avoid the cost of repeating tests while keeping your project on track. You can also view lab testing data to see how we maintain strict quality standards for all research peptides. This simple step ensures that your lab work stays consistent from the first day to the final report. Reliable supply is vital for researchers who need to reach their study goals without any errors. Start your next study with verified compounds to keep your research moving forward on time.

Ready to start? Contact research support to request batch-specific COA documentation and HPLC testing data for SS-31 peptide.